Anders Lee, Ross Johnston Enter COVID-19 Protocol

Things just seem to be going from bad to worse. The New York Islanders announced that Anders Lee and Ross Johnston entered COVID protocol on Friday, just a day before they’re scheduled to open their new home.

The news comes three days after Josh Bailey was placed in protocol ahead of the Islanders’ loss to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. The New York Islanders were made aware of the situation on Thursday night and general manager Lou Lamoriello told reporters that both players had been feeling well, but were placed in the protocol.

Due to the current circumstances, the Islanders have returned to the protocols they implemented during the height of the pandemic.

“We sent out a message late last night to the entire team and staff and office,” Lamoriello said. “We’re full mask everywhere and so forth. As well as everything else that goes along with it.”

Bailey is still in Florida and will remain there until he gets back two negative COVID tests.

Anders Lee had been part of the group that skated at UBS Arena on Thursday. The Islanders captain had been asked about Bailey missing the opener, which now seems to be something that Islanders captain will be forced to sit out as well.

The loss of Anders Lee for Saturday’s tilt with the Calgary Flames is another blow to an already bruised Islanders group. The team will be without Ryan Pulock for at least a month, Bailey is still in protocol and now they’ll be without Lee and Johnston.

The Islanders will call a player or two up from Bridgeport ahead of their meeting with Calgary. “we’re going to wait until we see exactly what the result is of our tests today to see what we should do,” Lamoriello said.

Puck drop for the UBS Arena opener is scheduled for 7 p.m.